NBA Trade Ideas: Could Dwight Howard and Chris Paul Be Packing Their Bags?
Dwight Howard is the leader and driving force of the Orlando Magic, the only piece of a sinking ship keeping his crew afloat. It may be a shot at the rest of his teammates, but Howard is the only irreplaceable player on the roster, a situation unlikely to change for the rest of his stay in Orlando, FL.
But how much longer will he be there?
Howard has never indulged in questions about leaving the Magic team, but he wears his emotions on his sleeve, never more openly than when he is angered by his teammates' performances.
The big man has given his all in every game this season. Even when at risk of being suspended because of his accumulation of technical fouls, he still played his game and was the best defensive presence he has the potential to be.
He is playing with a point guard, Jameer Nelson, who has the ability to make the big shot but can't keep games from coming down to the wire. His defensive skills have been lackadaisical and he is less of an asset down the stretch.
Nelson used to drive the team, but while he may still have the burning desire to, he doesn't have the strength or endurance. In an age of the point guard position, Orlando needs to begin looking for a younger, more agile and overall better athlete to come in and fill that spot on the floor.
No matter what the situation has been in Orlando, they have not been a steady force in the league. With the huge roster shake up, everyone felt this would be the greatest turning point for the organization.
Despite the confidence emanating from December's three-way trade with the Phoenix Suns and the Washington Wizards, newcomers Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark haven't shown themselves to be an upgrade over the departed quartet of Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus. The trade seemed to help the Suns and Wizards more so than Orlando, and although the Magic are in the postseason, they still do not have exactly what it takes to beat out the elite teams in the East.
Stan Van Gundy needs to be replaced and some changes must be made to the roster or we could be seeing the last of Howard in a Magic jersey.
Chris Paul on the other hand has a much easier situation to walk away from.
No one wants to be known as the one who left his team when they needed him most. Just look at how LeBron James was butchered in the media.
However, Paul is reportedly not counting out a move to Charlotte and Michael Jordan’s Bobcats. Gerald Wallace was most recently traded to the Portland Trail Blazers to free up some cap space. You have to wonder if this is what MJ had in mind all along. If you consider the possibilities, the Wallace trade does not seem so delusional after all.
The New Orleans Hornets may be in the Western Conference Playoffs, but no one expects them to go very far. Why? Aside from David West, Paul is the only true postseason asset on the team. The defense may be adequate, but their offense is unreliable and without Paul in the picture, a bit futile in comparison with the rest of the league.
He has dealt with so many roller coaster rides with New Orleans, that a spot on a team led by his idol and mentor may be looking very sweet.
In his first year with the Hornets, Hurricane Katrina caused the Hornets to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City. Even with all of the confusion surrounding the organization, Paul's stellar performance earned him the Rookie of the Year Award.
He seemed like the missing piece to a declining team and hope was restored. Paul has yet to win a championship and could be getting tired of being a one-man army. A few have gotten the itch and it would not be surprising if Paul packed up and moved to a franchise where he could have a fresh start and they would undoubtedly stack the proper powers around him.
I mean it is Michael Jordan. Who can say no to MJ?
Article about Chris Paul's Possible Exit:http://www.iamnba.com/2011/04/chris-paul-and-michael-jordan/
